Enchanting Europe with Extended Stay in London (HML) - 2016

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14 Day Tour from London to London

Vacation Overview

2016 Vacations Now Available - Book Early & Save!2016 is the year to visit Europe. A favorable US currency has allowed us to pass along better pricing for 2016 when compared to 2015. Book this vacation and lock in a price for a 2016 European vacation. You can save 10% when you book and deposit by September 15, 2015. When booking air-inclusive, you can remove airfare uncertainty with our Early Airfare Price Guarantee. And yes, if the price goes down, we'll honor the new lower price. You can't lose! Please note that 2016 departures are subject to itinerary and price modification, but by booking and depositing today, you will lock in your price.

This is the ideal trip for those who prefer an in-depth Western Europe experience. Ride two of Europe’s most famous high-speed trains: the Eurostar train from London to Brussels and the high-speed TGV train from Strasbourg to Paris. Guided sightseeing is included in London, in Sound of Music Salzburg, in Vienna, and in Paris, with included visits to St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg, a picture stop at the unusual Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna, a ride to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and more. Also stay in Amsterdam, where an included canal cruise is the best way to see the 17th-century capital of Holland; in Koblenz, Germany, with a romantic Rhine Cruise; in Munich, where a visit to the famous Hofbräuhaus has been included; in Innsbruck, Tyrol’s capital, where you will enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the town, and an included drink at a local café; in picture-book Lucerne, with the possibility to climb a mountain or attend a folklore party; and in the Black Forest, where you will learn all about the cuckoo clock, and taste the traditional Black Forest Cake. Scenic drives along the Rhine River, past the Salzkammergut Lake District and through the Alps, make this vacation an unforgettable experience. From Paris, travel by Eurostar train to London, where you enjoy an overnight night and Host service.

View Offers

Save 10% per person on 2016 Globus Europe South and North America early booking vacations.*

*Book and deposit a 2016 Globus Europe, South or North America (excluding Cuba) vacation to save 10% per person on the land-only portion of the core tour not including extra night accommodations, extensions, taxes, fees, tips or supplements. Booking must be made and under deposit between June 24 and September 15, 2015 for travel in 2016. Offer not valid with any other offer except Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit and LATAM air credit. Not applicable to custom tours. Discount will apply to individual members of groups adding a name and non-refundable per person deposit WITHIN the promo window. Not applicable on TBA space. Applies to new 2016 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. May be withdrawn any time. XXX16

LONDON Guided sightseeing, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and see the Changing of the Guard, if heldLONDON–BRUSSELS By high-speed Eurostar trainAMSTERDAM Canal cruiseRHINE CRUISEMUNICH Orientation, visit Marienplatz and the famous HofbräuhausSALZBURG Guided walking tour, visit Mirabell Gardens and St. Peter’s ChurchyardVIENNA Guided sightseeing, take pictures of the HundertwasserhausINNSBRUCK Tyrolean horse-drawn carriage ride and a drink at a local café; walk through the Old Town to the Golden RoofVADUZ Stop in the capital of LiechtensteinLUCERNE Walking tour including the Lion Monument and the Chapel BridgeRHINE FALLSBLACK FOREST Learn about cuckoo clocks, enjoy a traditional dinner with local specialties and Black Forest CakeSTRASBOURG–PARIS By high-speed TGV train (first-class)PARIS Guided sightseeing, ascend the Eiffel TowerPARIS-LONDON By high-speed Eurostar TrainHeadsets throughout the tour

NOTES:

In the rare event that the Eurostar train or the TGV train is unavailable, alternative services will be provided.

For operational reasons, slight schedule changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.

DAY 1Arrive in London, England

DAY 2London

Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes all the famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. Highlights are a visit to ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL and the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing of the Guard, if held. Time in the afternoon for independent activities. Optional excursions are available to the Tower of London and to Windsor Castle. Maybe a leisurely cruise on the Thames River? (Breakfast)

Changing of the Guard

"Changing the Guard dates to Henry VII (reigned 1485-1509) and was designed to show military discipline as well as ceremony. The tall bearskin hats were introduced in the 18th century to make the soldiers look taller and thus more frightening, and they were adopted for ceremonial use in 1832. The ceremony we know today started in the late 1800s and involves real soldiers who fulfill all military duties, guarding the Queen being just part of their service."

Tower of London

"Since its founding in the 11th century, the Tower of London has served many roles: impregnable fortress, royal residence, armory, treasury, home of the famed Crown Jewels, and a prison for those who offended the monarchy. To this day it is guarded by the “Beefeaters,” a name that likely originates from when Tower guards were paid part of their salary with chunks of beef, a practice that continued until the 1800s."

Houses of Parliament

"Big Ben may be the most famous feature of the Houses of Parliament, but equally impressive is the hammerbeam ceiling of Westminster Hall. The Hall dates back to 1097 and, at that time, the roof was supported by pillars. During the reign of King Richard II (14th century), however, it was replaced by the hammerbeam roof seen today. This roof – its beauty and sustainability – is even more impressive when you know its history. It was built with beams made from trees that were ancient at the time, reputedly acorns, dating back to the 6th century (or earlier). If only these walls (beams, rather) could talk!"

Buckingham Palace

"Amid the splendor of modern cities it’s hard to imagine what places looked like before they became what we know today. In a previous incarnation, the ground where Buckingham Palace now stands was a mulberry garden cultivated by King James I as food for silkworms. The silk industry he hoped to nurture never materialized, and eventually a roadhouse was built there, followed in due course by the Blake House, Goring House and Arlington House.Originally known as the Buckingham House, built as a townhouse by the Duke of Buckingham in 1709, the estate was acquired by King George III in 1762."

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DAY 3London–Brussels, Belgium–Amsterdam, Holland

Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and head for the railway station to board the high-speed EUROSTAR TRAIN to Brussels, Belgium. From here, a comfortable drive will bring you to Amsterdam, Holland’s 700-year-old capital. Tonight is your chance to join the locals during an optional dinner with regional specialties at one of city’s lively restaurants, followed by an evening walk through Old Amsterdam. (Breakfast)

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DAY 4Amsterdam–Koblenz, Germany

Enjoy a CANAL CRUISE aboard a glass-roofed launch, which is the best way to get a good impression of how this city was built and how much still remains from the Golden Age. Depart for Koblenz, the German city where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers come together. An optional excursion to impressive Marksburg Castle, with spectacular views of the Rhine River, is available. (Breakfast, Dinner)

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DAY 5Koblenz–Munich

Start with a romantic RHINE CRUISE along the most scenic part of the Rhine River past castle-crested cliffs, terraced vineyards, and trim, half-timbered towns. Continue to Munich, capital of Bavaria, and see the Olympic Park and the 1,000-foot-high Television Tower. Also visit MARIENPLATZ with its New and Old Town Halls. Highlight is a visit to the famous HOFBRÄUHAUS, dating back to 1589. Free time for dinner before going to your hotel. (Breakfast)

A Short Wine Guide

"Historically, Germany’s wine has suffered with an “inferiority complex” fueled by the reputation of wine powerhouses France and Italy. And in modern times, they’ve tacked of “how to compete with a Bordeaux or a Chianti” by improving quality, while keep prices reasonable. Finally, German vintners are starting to reap the rewards. The world famous Riesling region, centered on the Rhine and its tributaries and in eastern Germany near Dresden, is the biggest success story to come out of Germany’s 13 wine growing regions. White grapes form 80 percent of the harvest, but reds are on the rise, as well as the general reputation of German wines."

"Munich, Germany's Secret Capital"

"Munich is the only German metropolis that seems to have everything – wealth, beauty, prominence, fame. Some even call it Germany’s “secret capital.” Unlike Berlin, which some dub “architecturally challenged,” Munich bursts with historical buildings reconstructed after the devastation of World War II. Its grand Residenz, the former home of Bavarian kings, dominates the city center, which also boasts the flamboyant, gilded Cuvillié Theater. Nearby, the neo-gothic Neues Rathaus gives a medieval touch to the Marienplatz, the heart of Munich. "

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DAY 6Munich–Salzburg, Austria–Vienna

Drive eastwards, following the Bavarian Alps to Austria. Stop in Salzburg, where your Local Guide takes you through the historic center. Admire exquisite MIRABELL GARDENS, the Great Festival Hall, ST. PETER’S CHURCHYARD, and the monumental Domplatz. See Mozart’s birthplace in the charming Getreidegasse and browse through the downtown market. Next, pass the lovely Salzkammergut Lake District, made famous by the The Sound of Music movie, and along the Danube Valley to Vienna, proud capital of Austria. (Breakfast)

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DAY 7Vienna

Guided sightseeing features the State Opera House, the Jewish quarter, a stop at Hofburg Palace, and a picture stop at the unusual Hundertwasserhaus. To make the most of your stay, you may wish to join an optional excursion to magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and later, an exciting optional Heurigen evening is available. (Breakfast)

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DAY 8Vienna–Innsbruck

Enjoy a scenic drive through the Tyrolean Alps and arrive in Innsbruck. Highlight today is a spectacular HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDE, including a drink at a local café. Then, follow your Tour Director for a pleasant stroll through quaint medieval lanes to Emperor Maximilian’s GOLDEN ROOF. (Breakfast, Dinner)

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DAY 9Innsbruck–Vaduz, Liechtenstein–Lucerne, Switzerland

Follow the Inn River on the comfortable highway through the Arlberg area, famous for Austria’s Lech and Zürs ski resorts, to Vaduz, capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein. Time to buy your stamps or other souvenirs before continuing to picture-book Lucerne in Switzerland. During your walking tour, admire Thorwaldsen’s emotional LION MONUMENT, dedicated to the fallen Swiss Guards who protected the Royal House of France during the French Revolution, and the ornate patrician houses lining the cobblestone streets of the walled Old Town. Then, cross the famous covered CHAPEL BRIDGE to the Jesuit Church. Afterwards, shop for Swiss watches and chocolate. Tonight is your chance to join the Swiss Folklore dinner with yodeling and alphorn blowing. (Breakfast)

Lion Monument

“The Lion of Lucerne” (Lowendenkmal) is a compelling statue in the north section of Old Town dedicated to the 42 members of the Swiss Guard who were assigned to protect Louis the XVI, Maria Antoinette and their family at the Royal Palace. When the Tuileries was stormed on August 10, 1792 by rioting Parisians at the start of the French Revolution, the king ordered the soldiers to lay down their arms. They were subsequently slaughtered by the crowd and the royal family was captured. Louis had made a big mistake. In 1821 Danish sculpture Berthel Thorwaldsen finished the sculpture, a 30-foot likeness of a wounded and dying lion with a broken lance in its heart and his paw resting atop the fleur-de-lys shield of the Bourbon king. The Latin inscription translated “To the bravery and fidelity of the Swiss.”

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DAY 10Lucerne–Rhine Falls–Black Forest, Germany

Exciting optional activities to choose from: climb a mountain by cable car or take a cruise on the fjord-like lake. Then, stop at thundering Rhine Falls before re-entering Germany into the lush valleys and pine-clad hills of the Black Forest. Enjoy a warm welcome by the Drubba family at the Hofgut Sternen hotel and learn all about the cuckoo clock, for which the area is famous. After dinner, you will have a special dessert: traditional Black Forest Cake. (Breakfast, Dinner)

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DAY 11Black Forest–Strasbourg, France–Paris

Cross the border into the Alsace region and arrive in Strasbourg, seat of the European Parliament, where you will board the high-speed TGV TRAIN to Paris. Choose from our optional excursions: in the afternoon to the magnificent Louvre Museum to see the Mona Lisa, and tonight, maybe try out local dishes at one of Paris’ fine restaurants, followed by a drive to explore the “City of Light.” (Breakfast)

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DAY 12Paris

Discover the world capital of chic and style with a Local Guide and admire its most famous sights: the Opéra, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, and more. For a bird’s-eye view, take the elevator up to the second floor of Paris’ most famous landmark: the EIFFEL TOWER. To make the most of your stay, join an optional excursion to the lavish baroque Palace of Versailles. Tonight, dinner and a lively cabaret show at one of Paris’ nightclubs might just be the ticket! (Breakfast)

French Fashion

There’s more than one way to conquer the world. The flabby, charismatic “Sun King,” Louis XIV, knew that he could impress the French people with his insanely lavish royal lifestyle, but he also wanted to make his mark on Europe. Throughout his 55 year rule in the 17th Century, he campaigned vigorously to establish Paris as the continent’s capital of style, promoting its gourmet food and wine, haute couture, cutting-edge perfumes, opulent furnishings and exquisite jewelry. Every new innovation required Louis’ personal imprimatur, making him the world’s first fashion dictator. Author Joan DeJean claimed in “The Essence of Style” that Louis’ devotion to elegance has shaped the culture of indulgence today – “Without the Sun King’s program for defining France as the land of luxury in glamour, there would never have been a Stork Club, a Bergdorf Goodman, a Chez Panisse or a Christophe of Beverly Hills.”

Eiffel Tower

Imagining Paris without the Eiffel Tower is like London without Big Ben or San Francisco without the Golden Gate Bridge. But no sooner had the architect Gustav Eiffel beaten his 700 competitors in the design competition for the 1889 Centennial Exposition, celebrating a century since the French Revolution, than a vocal outcry began to halt construction of the edifice. Three hundred famous French artists and writers signed a petition in the newspaper “Le Temps” denouncing Eiffel’s radically modern design as “useless and monstrous,” a blight upon the elegant fabric of the City of Light. Others critics were even more vicious, describing the proposed tower as a “tragic street lamp,” a gymnasium apparatus…incomplete, confused and deformed,” “a giant ungainly skeleton,” “a half-built factory pipe,” “a carcass” and even “a hole-riddled suppository.” Nature-lovers argued that it would disturb the flight patterns of Parisian birds. Even as the iron lattice began to rise, Parisians continued to refer to it by the less-than-flattering nickname, “the metal asparagus.” Of course, no sooner had the tower opened in 1889 than the rabid criticism evaporated.

With Globus, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. Averaging over a decade... we’d like you to meet a Tour Director, who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

BRIGITTE MAIER KARALL

Years of Experience: 31 years

Traveling is my passion, and I see Europe as my doorstep. I get the opportunity to help you experience different cultures, languages, and various lifestyles on one vacation. My goal is to ensure each person has a unique and personal experience.

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View Offers

Save 10% per person on 2016 Globus Europe South and North America early booking vacations.*

*Book and deposit a 2016 Globus Europe, South or North America (excluding Cuba) vacation to save 10% per person on the land-only portion of the core tour not including extra night accommodations, extensions, taxes, fees, tips or supplements. Booking must be made and under deposit between June 24 and September 15, 2015 for travel in 2016. Offer not valid with any other offer except Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit and LATAM air credit. Not applicable to custom tours. Discount will apply to individual members of groups adding a name and non-refundable per person deposit WITHIN the promo window. Not applicable on TBA space. Applies to new 2016 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. May be withdrawn any time. XXX16

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The following UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be seen or visited on the Enchanting Europe with Extended Stay in London:

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